Keys to a Positive Firm Culture

Source: Accounting Office Management & Administration Report

Heinfield Meech & Co., named as the fourth best place to work in America by the Great Places to Work Institute, attributes its remarkable success to a happy culture.

The Great Places to Work Institute uses a series of questions to determine whether a firm can be included on its list. Key questions include:

• How would staff rate the firm in terms of management integrity, management follow-through on its commitments, amount of responsibility given to staff, degree of micromanagement, and sharing of information with staff?
• Does management respect staff by showing appreciation, interest in employees as people, and the offer of training to help staff grow?
• Is management fair? Does it treat minorities and women fairly, and does it base promotions on merit, not politics?
• Is there pride among the staff, e.g., are people proud to tell where they work?
• Is there good camaraderie among the partners and staff? Is it a friendly and fun place to work?

The firm has been uninhibited about sharing information. It conducts quarterly day-long meetings of the entire staff. The agenda includes updates on firm and niche activities, technical updates, and more general issues such as nutrition and personal safety.

Client satisfaction information from survey results is distributed as well as information on employee retention rates, staff survey results, and strategic plan goals and status. The firm shares financial information such as expenses, realization, revenue growth, and profit margins.

Its advice on how to build a culture? Emphasize the one-firm concept, rather than book of business. And make partners and leaders accountable to your firm’s goal of building a positive culture.

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From Accounting Office Management & Administration Report, September 2008, p. 1, “Build a Fun & Profitable Culture for Your CPA Firm.” For subscription information contact Institute of Management & Administration, Inc., 3 Park Avenue, 30th Floor, New York, NY 10016-5902. One-year subscription $449. 212-244-0360, [email protected].

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